Everyone loves going to their local scoop shop or hearing the ice cream man drive down the block. But have you ever tried making homemade vanilla ice cream? It’s easier than you might think. Many of our homemade vanilla ice cream recipes don’t require a fancy ice cream maker, which makes creating ice cream at home even easier. Many of these recipes only need a few ingredients as well, and you probably have them lying around your house already.
We have a nice mix of ice cream recipes, too. Some will require a machine, but others are no-churn, some are dairy-free, and we even have some popsicle recipes to mix things up.
If you didn’t know, July is National Ice Cream Month, and every July, we celebrate National Ice Cream Day on the 16th or 17th (depending on who you ask). Regardless of what day you decide to celebrate, these recipes are perfect for everyone!
This guide to the best homemade vanilla ice cream recipes has the following;
- Multiple unique vanilla ice cream recipes
- Dairy-Free options
- Popsicles, Sorbets, and Paletas with intense vanilla flavor
How to Eat Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
When it comes to ice cream, one of the oldest arguments is whether to have it in a dish or a cone. If you’re a dish person, this first recipe won’t mean much to you, but if you’re a cone fan, then be sure to make these vanilla waffle cones so you have them ready for the first scoop of ice cream.
Gluten-Free Vanilla Waffle Cones:
Skip the dish and top these waffle cones with a scoop or two (or three) of homemade vanilla ice cream.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipes
As a flavor, many people consider vanilla plain or dull, but the truth is vanilla is an essential flavor in the ice cream world. For starters, it’s the base for most flavors of ice cream. There is also no shortage of toppings to make the ice cream uniquely yours. Each of these homemade vanilla ice cream recipes is slightly different, so choose the best one for you and enjoy!
Salt & Straw Double Fold Vanilla:
Flip open the Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cookbook to page 84, and you’ll find a classic homemade vanilla ice cream recipe for the ages.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
Classic homemade vanilla ice cream full of vanilla specks and flavored with a gourmet, grade-A vanilla bean.
Vanilla Bean and Honey Frozen Yogurt:
This frozen yogurt will remind you of a classic soft-serve vanilla ice cream. This frozen yogurt recipe uses whole vanilla beans, and the honey helps round out the smooth flavor.
Vanilla Bean Olive Oil Ice Cream:
This recipe uses vanilla-flavored olive oil to make a smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream. Have you ever heard of vanilla olive oil? Don’t worry; one bite, and you’ll taste the difference.
Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream Recipes
Many of our fans use our vanilla because it’s ideal for an allergy-friendly diet. If you, like many others, love ice cream, but can’t it due to a dairy allergy or a dairy-free diet, then these dairy-free ice cream recipes are for you. The best part is, you can serve it to your family and friends, and nobody will even notice they aren’t the real thing.
Vanilla Cherry Ice Cream:
This ice cream is perfect if you love our Organic Vanilla Cherry Lip Balm. So apply some lip balm, take a bite, and let the flavor transport you to a vanilla wonderland.
Coconut Milk Vanilla Ice Cream:
If you’re looking for some extra flavor swirls in your vanilla ice cream, then this vanilla ice cream made with coconut milk is just what you need. There’s no shortage of options from double vanilla to orange and even caramel.
Vanilla Popsicles, Sorbets, and More!
These aren’t your traditional homemade vanilla ice cream recipes, but they are still delicious and still packed full of vanilla flavor. We have sorbets, paletas, and even a popsicle with a fun boozy option! Need we say more?
Piña Colada Popsicles:
Que the music: DO YOU LIKE PIÑA COLADAS.. oh nevermind. These popsicles are great as a virgin/alcohol-free version or with a boozy touch. They are perfect for a poolside treat.
Vanilla Plum Sorbet:
Sometimes referred to as “water ice,” sorbet is a frozen dessert made from sugar-sweetened water and flavorings. The vanilla flavor in this sorbet is subtle, but the plum flavor will shine strong.
Cardamom Plum and Vanilla Bean Paletas:
Paletas are Mexican popsicles made with fresh fruit. This vanilla ice cream needs vanilla extract and a whole bean, so each bite has a smooth, rich flavor.
So there it is, our best homemade vanilla ice cream recipes. Which one will you try first? We know it may be a hard choice since they all look so good, but if you can narrow it down, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram!